What Does the Discovery of a Suspicious Balloon in Jammu Mean for Security?

Suspicious Balloon Found in Jammu Raises Security Concerns

Jammu: Authorities discovered a suspicious balloon resembling an airplane, adorned with the logo of Pakistan International Airlines, in Jammu city on Sunday.

The balloon, which featured a white and saffron color scheme with 'PIA' inscribed in green, was located in the Nai Basti area.

Such balloons, often released from the Pakistani side of the border, have been spotted intermittently in Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts near the international boundary.

Additionally, similar objects have occasionally been detected near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Rajouri and Poonch districts.

Terror groups operating from across the border have utilized drones, allegedly with assistance from the Pakistani Army, to transport weapons, narcotics, and cash to fuel terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

To combat this threat, the Border Security Force (BSF) employs specialized equipment along the international border to detect and neutralize these drones.

In several instances, these drones have been intercepted on the ground before their payloads could be retrieved by terrorists or their associates.

Just a week prior, another aircraft-shaped balloon featuring the PIA logo was discovered in a forward area of Ramgarh in Samba district.

This balloon, which was green and white, was found lying on the ground by BSF personnel stationed at a forward post.

While drones serve specific purposes related to terrorism, intelligence agencies suggest that balloons with Pakistani markings aim to divert security forces' attention and instill fear among civilians.

Following the destruction of nine terror infrastructure sites by Indian Armed Forces during 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, Pakistan retaliated by targeting civilian facilities along the LoC and the international border in Jammu and Kashmir, employing drones laden with explosives.

The Indian Army successfully shot down over a dozen drones spotted in the skies above Srinagar.

In response to Pakistan's attacks on civilian and defense installations, the Indian Armed Forces inflicted significant damage on 11 Pakistani air bases on May 10.

India has firmly stated that any future terrorist assault on its territory will be regarded as an act of war by Pakistan.